The CBI had claimed before Supreme Court that the BSP leader – in capacity of the state’s chief minister in 2002 - had sanctioned Rs 175 crore for the Taj corridor plan in violation of regulations.

But the Governor seemed to question the very basis of the allegation.

Mayawati took the favourable opportunity to lash out at her political detractors in a press conference. “All opposition parties made this an election issue. What Rs 175 crore scam are they talking about? When we only released Rs 17 crore what is the Rs 175 crore scam?” she asked.

The fact that the Rajeshwar has, in the past, been accused of being close to the Congress only led the Opposition to suggest that this was an attempt by the Centre to bail Mayawati out.

The Opposition concurs than in return for this favour, Mayawati will support the UPA during Presidential elections.

“The governor has refused to take action and this is a legal matter. We will react to this. But as far as BJP stand goes, we want to remind her that she shouldn’t forget history,” said BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar.

The Congress for its part denies that it has struck a quid pro quo with Mayawati to allow her to get away with charges of corruption.

With the Governor stepping in on her side, Mayawati is clearly enjoying the benefit of a golden rule in Indian politics: once in power, the system will protect you.